Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a complaint?
A complaint can be filed by anyone that observes or experiences inappropriate conduct committed by an employee of the fire or police department.
How do I file a complaint?
Filing a complaint is not difficult. We have a citizen complaint form to assist you with organizing the information about your complaint. The form asks you to provide a description of the incident, your name, and a means of contacting you. You in the form and then give it to us.
How do I get a complaint form?
You may obtain a complaint form by phone, mail, fax, email, our website, or through various community organizations.
What happens after I filed my complaint?
After the complaint is received a Commission investigator will contact you to arrange an interview. If we determine that the Commission has authority over the complaint it may be referred to our mediation program, to the Chief of Police or Fire Chief for action, or referred to the citizen board for a complaint trial.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a meeting between the employee, the person filing the complaint, and a professional mediation to resolve the issues that led to a complaint being filed.
What is a complaint trial?
It is a quasi-judicial administrative hearing to determine whether the employee violated a rule or standard of the department. The person filing the complaint, along with the employee and witnesses tell the citizen board what happened.
What can the Fire and Police Commission do about my complaint?
The Commission can suspend, demote, or discharge department members from employment. They can also issue policy or training directives to help the employee do their jobs better.
Can I get paid for my damages?
The Commission does not have the authority to award any money damages. Claims for money damages must be filed separately with the Milwaukee City clerk, 200 E. Wells St., Room 205, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
What can I expect when interacting with the police?
The Milwaukee Fire and Police commission is often asked this question from citizens. In response, an information brochure was created in English and Spanish.
Click here for English (pdf, 2 pages).
Oprima aquí para español (pdf, 2 pages).
How can I contest a traffic citation or a parking citation?
Click here for answers to this question.
Can I pay a parking citation on line?
Yes Click here to pay your citation on line.
To speak to a Fire and Police Commission staff member, please call 414-286-5000 or send an e-mail to fpc@milwaukee.gov
July 2011